Friday, 22 July 2016
HOT NEWS: Militants to Buhari: We’re not aware of your peac...
HOT NEWS: Militants to Buhari: We’re not aware of your peac...: •HRM Ayemi-Botu: How can security agencies, oil companies hold talks with militants? •IYC: Govt should stop deceiving Nigerians, internat...
HOT NEWS: 19 Soldiers injured; many missing in action
HOT NEWS: 19 Soldiers injured; many missing in action: *As scores of terrorists killed in gun battle in Borno The Nigerian Army said last night that 19 of its soldiers and three members of...
19 Soldiers injured; many missing in action
*As scores of terrorists killed in gun battle in Borno
The Nigerian Army said last night that 19 of its soldiers and three members of the Civilian JTF who were returning from a clearance operation of Boko Haram terrorists camps in a village in Borno, suffered gunshot injuries after they ran into an ambush and engaged in a gunfight with the terrorists.
An unspecified number of the terrorists which military sources put at 30 and 40 were killed while several others ran into the bush with their blood stains littering the escape routes of the terrorists.
Many soldiers and some members of Civilian JTF are however said to be missing in action (MIA) following the bloody battle prompting the Army authorities to send re-enforcement to go for rescue operations of those that may still be alive.
A statement from Army headquarters confirming the development, signed by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said, “Today (Thursday) morning, troops on clearance patrol at Guro Gongon village and environs to rout out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating therein, destroyed the terrorists’ makeshift camps and recovered quite a number of weapons, equipment and foodstuff in the process.
“The recovered items include 1 Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, a MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 1 Light Machine Gun, 3 AK-47 rifles and motorcycles.”
“However, the gallant soldiers basking on the recorded success, returning to their defensive locations, ran into an ambush by a group of Boko Haram terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades.
“The troops fought back gallantly killing several of the insurgents. “Sadly however, 19 soldiers and 3 civilian JTF members were wounded in action while a few others were missing in action.
“The wounded have been evacuated and are responding to treatment, while a search and rescue party comprising of Special Forces personnel has since been dispatched to establish contact with the missing in action troops, some of whom, as at the time of filing this report, have started returning to their defensive location.
“It is pertinent to state that, no stone would be left unturned until every person involved in the operation has been accounted for.”
HOT NEWS: Militants to Buhari: We’re not aware of your peac...
HOT NEWS: Militants to Buhari: We’re not aware of your peac...: •HRM Ayemi-Botu: How can security agencies, oil companies hold talks with militants? •IYC: Govt should stop deceiving Nigerians, internat...
Militants to Buhari: We’re not aware of your peace talks
•HRM Ayemi-Botu: How can security agencies, oil companies hold talks with militants?
•IYC: Govt should stop deceiving Nigerians, international community
•Engage critical stakeholders, not just militants— CEPEJ
THERE was misapprehension yesterday over the statement from President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday that the Federal Government was holding dialogue with militants in the Niger Delta region to end pipeline bombings as the foremost militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA and other groups denied such talks. The bombings have devastated the economy. President Buhari, while speaking with the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zinner, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, confirmed that government was in dialogue with Niger Delta militants towards putting a stop to pipeline vandalism and violence in the region. He said the negotiations were done through oil companies and law enforcement agencies.
Besides the militants, former national chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON and paramount ruler of Siembiri Kingdom, Delta State, HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu and the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, said it was disappointing for the government to say that oil companies and security agents were the ones engaged in the negotiation.
However, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, welcomed what it said seemed like a volte face on dialogue by President Buhari but urged the President to engage critical stakeholders of the region, and not just militants.
FG talking to mercenaries – Avengers
Niger Delta Avengers in a swift reaction to President Buhari’s statement that government was talking to Niger Delta militants through the oil companies and security agencies, said: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports that the President is in touch with Niger Delta agitators, including the Niger Delta Avengers. But the truth is that we are not aware of any peace talk.”
Their spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo who issued the statement, said, “If there is any such peace talk, it means the President is talking to their mercenaries set to disturb the genuine struggle of the agitators. President Buhari led government is not sincere to the Nigerian people and their foreign allies”.
According to NDA, “If we are to engage in any peace talks, we made it clear that the international community must be part of it. The President knows our demands. Therefore, the government should stop deceiving the international oil companies, the general public and the international community.”
Stop the joke-Ayemi- Botu
Responding to Buhari’s declaration, HRM Ayemi-Botu said: “The statement credited to President Buhari to the outgoing German Ambassador that ‘we are talking with the militants’ as widely published in the electronic and print media gave us some hope and temporary relief .”
“But the fact that Mr. President further stated that it is the security agencies and multinational oil companies that are doing the talking or negotiating with the militants, while the militants on the other hand stated that government was not talking with them, gives me cause for worry. More so, they blew up a PPMC pipeline some days ago,”
The monarch said, “it sounds like a cat and mouse game because security men are hunting for them up till Thursday in Warri. So, how can they be discussing. Militants cannot negotiate with security agents. Or is it the oil companies which the militants have asked to stop operating and quit their areas of operations that are dialoguing with the militants, “the royal father asked.
He asserted: “My candid appeal to Buhari is to take the bull by the horns and emulate late President Umaru Yar’ Adua to appoint prominent personalities, including traditional rulers, opinion leaders and chiefs to dialogue on the protracted Niger Delta issues with a view to having lasting solution.
“Apparently, a situation whereby the President is telling the world that security agents and oil companies are delegated or mandated to dialogue with the militants may not work. We should call a spade, a spade,” he said.
President’s advisers should advise him well- IYC
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, said: “The government should stop deceiving Nigerians and the international community about talks with Niger Delta militants on how to stop attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.”
“It may not be right for the President to say that his government is negotiating with Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law enforcement agencies during the farewell audience with Mr. Michael Zinner, the outgoing Ambassador to Germany on Thursday, the 21st of July, 2016.
“It is even embarrassing for the President of an independent nation such as Nigeria to say that it is oil companies that are negotiating for peace with Niger Delta agitators, which in effect amounts to surrendering a lot to international oil companies,” the council said.
It added: “The IYC wonders if Nigeria is back to pre-colonial and independence Royal Niger Company days where international companies govern Nigeria. The point must be made that the issues at stake are completely beyond the capacity of oil companies to resolve.”
“For the umpteenth time, the IYC call on the aides and advisers of President Buhari to properly advise him on how to solve the current hostilities in the Niger Delta region and equally display a determination to resolve the problem as his predecessors did.
“Only a sincere and holistic dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta region which is aimed at addressing the remote causes of recurrent militancy can bring permanent peace to the Niger Delta region. This can only happen when President Buhari as the political leader of Nigeria come down to the negotiation table,” IYC said.
Avoid jamboree- CEPEJ
Speaking through its national coordinator, Sheriff Mulade, CEPEJ, thumbed up the federal government for going ahead with the peace talks, but cautioned against “engaging the militants alone in the peace parley.”
“We suggest that critical stakeholders should be identified and engaged by the government, otherwise government would create more rooms for other pseudo militant groups to emerge.
“CEPEJ wants the government to hold town meetings with the communities and address their social problems and also talk to the oil firms, and find out their relationships with the communities. The engagement should be more comprehensive, beyond the militants.
‘’If the government wants to truly resolve the issues, it should involve critical leaders and not political stakeholders; otherwise it will be another jamboree and failed attempts. The fundamental issues are clear: the people of the Niger Delta need development and remediation of their environment, which has been devastated by years of oil and gas exploration and exploitative activities,” the group said.
It added: ‘’the politicians are the beneficiaries of the system. When they are fraternizing with the militants on one hand, they want to end militancy on the other. That is why we said the government should not make it a political talk; rather Niger Delta stakeholders at the grass-roots should be involved,”
The NGO condemns in strongest terms the continued bombings of oil and gas installations by the rampaging Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) after a lull in their nefarious activities, saying that the renewed bombings have affected the gains recorded in recent weeks, and caused more damage to the environment, the only heritage of the people.
“The Center is of the opinion that the continued bombings of oil and gas facilities were not doing the region any good, rather they were adversely affecting the environment and slowing down the economy.
“We reiterate our appeal to militants in the Niger Delta to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign as no development can take place in an environment wrecked by conflicts and environmental degradation,” CEPEJ stated.
What Buhari said
The President , who gave the confirmation of dialogue with militants through the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, while granting farewell audience to the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zinner, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the talks were being done through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies and was aimed at finding lasting solution to insecurity in the region.
He also said that his administration was studying the instruments of the Presidential Amnesty Programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered.
“We understand their feelings, we are studying the instruments, we have to secure the environment otherwise investment will not come. We will do our best for the country,” Shehu quoted the President as saying.
HOT NEWS: Naira crash set to all time low of 350/ USD
HOT NEWS: Naira crash set to all time low of 350/ USD: •Parallel Market down to N380/USD1 •CBN intervenes to save the situation The sharp and steady depreciation of the Naira at the inter-...
Naira crash set to all time low of 350/ USD
•Parallel Market down to N380/USD1
•CBN intervenes to save the situation
The sharp and steady depreciation of the Naira at the inter-bank foreign exchange market in the last one week has forced the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to intervene yesterday to stem the slide.
The apex bank was said to have offered about USD5.0 million each to dealers amidst scarcity of foreign currency which had persisted since last week Friday following the sudden withdrawal of CBN’s interventionist resources.
Dealers said the supply from the apex bank saved the Naira from crashing to N350/ USD1 yesterday as the rate was already gone beyond N330 as at mid day before the apex bank’s intervention which relieved the pressure and forced the rate down to less than N310.
But the intervention could not save the Naira from further depreciation at the parallel market segment where it traded for N380/ USD as against N375 it closed on Thursday, a development which the dealers said was connected to a perceived pressure on external reserves and CBN’s capacity to continue to be the only supplier in the market.
The local currency has been on a downward spiral since the CBN eventually took away the currency price ceiling it had subtly placed after it officially floated the currency mid last month.
The depreciation in the Naira is also mainly attributed to the lack of supply from CBN following reports that the apex bank had reduced its forex allocations to sales in the interbank market due to other pressing needs for the foreign exchange resources amidst dwindling dollar revenue from oil sales.
Before now, s upplies other than the CBN had avoided the inter-bank forex market over complaints that the official rates did not represent the true value of the Naira against the dollar, hence they find their way to push their dollars to the parallel market segments.
According to some dealers international oil firms who are major independent suppliers of forex are now selling part of their hard currency directly to petrol importers under an arrangement with the government. They, however, explained that they are still looking at what will be a comfortable exchange rate for sellers to come back to the market and that is why the rates kept going up in the past one week.
Last week CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, flew to Britain and the United States to try to lure back investors into Nigeria’s financial market after nearly one year they left due to CBN’s exchange rate control policy.
We learnt the trip was unsuccessful as the investors told the CBN team that the market was not yet transparent enough adding that the external reserves level was also not comforting for them.
Why we kidnapped Lagos monarch — Abductors
•Demand N500m ransom
•Family declares prayer intercession
•As kidnappers warn South-West region to prepare for more abductions
Barely a week after a Lagos traditional ruler, Oniba of Iba Town, Oba Yushau Oseni was kidnapped in his palace, his abductors have explained the reason behind their action, just as they contacted the family yesterday demanding N500 million ransom before his release.
It will be recalled that the 73-year-old monarch was abducted by gunmen, last Saturday, 16th July, 2016 and shot five persons including the wife of the monarch in the process.
Three of the victims died while two survivors were said to be recuperating in different hospitals.
The deceased were identified as 25-year-old, Riliwan Rasak, an artisan, Sunday Okanlawon, the palace guard and a-yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcycle operator.
When we visited the palace of the monarch at about 1:30 pm, sympa-thizers continued to throng the residence to console the family and pray for the safe return of the Oba.
In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, a palace source who preferred anonymity, disclosed that the abductors have contacted the family and demanded N500 million before he would be released.
However, the source said that during the conversation the family begged the abductors to consider the health of the monarch and release him to the family.
The plea, it was gathered fell on deaf ears as the abductors told the family that Lagos monarchs are rich and can afford the huge ransom.
According to the source, “They (kidnappers) said that they are aware of the dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule who had visited the family and that the dignitaries can afford the ransom
Reason for abduction
On the reason for his abduction, the family source said, “They (kidnappers ) said that he (Oba) is highly influential in the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration and the administration recognises his contribution to the development of the state. But a member of the family who spoke with the abductors begged them yet they refused even as they assured the family that the king was safe with them.”
It was also gathered that the abductors claimed that they abducted the monarch as a warning to the Federal Government and to attract the attention of both the Federal and state governments
According to one of the palace staff, “the kidnappers during conversation argued that they could not continue their pipeline vandalism because President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has intensified security around the pipelines, hence, the option of kidnapping.”
The kidnappers were said to have threatened that it was the beginning of their operation, saying, “South-West states should be prepared for more.”
One of the children of the monarch, said the family members of the Oba have gone into serious prayer sessions as immediate and extended families of the monarch were worried over his state of health and continued captivity. “We are appealing to them (kidnappers) not to hurt him and allow him return home safely”, he begged.
Meanwhile, one of the monarch’s daughters and former boss, Iba Local Government Council, Mrs. Ramota Oseni, admitted that the abductors had contacted the family since July 20 but the family decided to make the ransom public as they could no longer resolve it internally.
She said the family had negotiated with the abductors to pay N40 million which was not available and had contacted the state government for assistance to ensure his release but the government was yet to respond.
Aworis beg Ambode, Police to ensure his release
Meantime, Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Lagos Zone, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police to intensify efforts at ensuring the immediate release of their monarch.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group said: “The government of Akinwunmi Ambode, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Lagos Zone, Lagos State Commissioner of Police should intensify efforts on ensuring the release of our monarch and stop incessant killings of innocent people by armed bandits in our coastal towns”.
•Family declares prayer intercession
•As kidnappers warn South-West region to prepare for more abductions
Barely a week after a Lagos traditional ruler, Oniba of Iba Town, Oba Yushau Oseni was kidnapped in his palace, his abductors have explained the reason behind their action, just as they contacted the family yesterday demanding N500 million ransom before his release.It will be recalled that the 73-year-old monarch was abducted by gunmen, last Saturday, 16th July, 2016 and shot five persons including the wife of the monarch in the process.
Three of the victims died while two survivors were said to be recuperating in different hospitals.
The deceased were identified as 25-year-old, Riliwan Rasak, an artisan, Sunday Okanlawon, the palace guard and a-yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcycle operator.
When we visited the palace of the monarch at about 1:30 pm, sympa-thizers continued to throng the residence to console the family and pray for the safe return of the Oba.
In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, a palace source who preferred anonymity, disclosed that the abductors have contacted the family and demanded N500 million before he would be released.
However, the source said that during the conversation the family begged the abductors to consider the health of the monarch and release him to the family.
The plea, it was gathered fell on deaf ears as the abductors told the family that Lagos monarchs are rich and can afford the huge ransom.
According to the source, “They (kidnappers) said that they are aware of the dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule who had visited the family and that the dignitaries can afford the ransom
Reason for abduction
On the reason for his abduction, the family source said, “They (kidnappers ) said that he (Oba) is highly influential in the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration and the administration recognises his contribution to the development of the state. But a member of the family who spoke with the abductors begged them yet they refused even as they assured the family that the king was safe with them.”
It was also gathered that the abductors claimed that they abducted the monarch as a warning to the Federal Government and to attract the attention of both the Federal and state governments
According to one of the palace staff, “the kidnappers during conversation argued that they could not continue their pipeline vandalism because President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has intensified security around the pipelines, hence, the option of kidnapping.”
The kidnappers were said to have threatened that it was the beginning of their operation, saying, “South-West states should be prepared for more.”
One of the children of the monarch, said the family members of the Oba have gone into serious prayer sessions as immediate and extended families of the monarch were worried over his state of health and continued captivity. “We are appealing to them (kidnappers) not to hurt him and allow him return home safely”, he begged.
Meanwhile, one of the monarch’s daughters and former boss, Iba Local Government Council, Mrs. Ramota Oseni, admitted that the abductors had contacted the family since July 20 but the family decided to make the ransom public as they could no longer resolve it internally.
She said the family had negotiated with the abductors to pay N40 million which was not available and had contacted the state government for assistance to ensure his release but the government was yet to respond.
Aworis beg Ambode, Police to ensure his release
Meantime, Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Lagos Zone, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police to intensify efforts at ensuring the immediate release of their monarch.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group said: “The government of Akinwunmi Ambode, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Lagos Zone, Lagos State Commissioner of Police should intensify efforts on ensuring the release of our monarch and stop incessant killings of innocent people by armed bandits in our coastal towns”.
HOT NEWS: Budget padding: Jibrin accuses Dogara, Lasun, Dogu...
HOT NEWS: Budget padding: Jibrin accuses Dogara, Lasun, Dogu...: The embattled former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has accused the Speaker of the Hou...
HOT NEWS: Budget padding: Jibrin accuses Dogara, Lasun, Dogu...
HOT NEWS: Budget padding: Jibrin accuses Dogara, Lasun, Dogu...: The embattled former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has accused the Speaker of the Hou...
Budget padding: Jibrin accuses Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa, Ogor of harassment
The embattled former Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has accused the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, and his deputy, Yussuff Lasun of using police to harass and intimidate him over his allegation against the House presiding officers.
Jibrin also accused the Chief Whip of the House, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and the Minority leader, Leo Ogor of working in unison with the two presiding officers to monitor his movement. But he said no level of intimidation and harassment will make him to withdraw his statement that the body of principal officers compelled him to pad N40 billion for them in the 2016 budget.But the vice chairman, House of committee on downstream sector, Danlami Muhammad Kurfi has condemned Jibrin for calling on Speaker Dogara to resign.
Kurfi who represents Dutsinma/Kurfi federal constituency of Katsina state said the former appropriation committee chairman should not be taken serious because his utterances were mere ranting of someone who was paying for his actions. According to him, “Why did it take him this long to tell Mr President that the Speaker dines with his enemies” Kurfi queried and insisted that the appropriation committee should thank his stars that his sack came when members were on recess.
“if this had happened while we were in session, some of us would have moved for his suspension.”
He accused the former appropriation committee chairman of arrogance, saying, “he has no regards for other members of the House and even members of his committee.”
He said that the removal of Jibrin was one of the best decision to be taken by the Speaker noting that the former appropriation committee betrayed trust of not just the lower chambers but that of all Nigerians.
But Jibrin through his lawyers from the law office of Messers Hammart & Co, Law Bond Dolicitors and Doka Chambers in a statement in Abuja accused the quartet of making “subterranean and clandestine efforts” to use the police to harass him.
According to the statement, “The above quartet have resorted to blackmail our Client into silence and to further harass his person and family using the instrument of the obstructive coercion and perversion of due process by deploying, albeit illegally some elements of the Nigeria Police.
“You will recall that our Client is in dispute with thesaid quartet over his refusal and inability to admit into the National Budget of 2016, the sum of about 30 Billion Naira at the behest of these quartet and also his refusal to cover up the decision of Speaker Dogara and others’ unilateral decision to distribute to themselves 40 Billion Naira out of the 100 Billion Naira allocated to the entire National Assembly in addition to what our Client considers as wasteful projects of over 20 Billion Naira to their (quartet) various constituencies.
“We want to state unequivocally that our client stands by the above assertion and will at the appropriate time prove same.
“We now have it on good authority that these quartet acting in concert are at the moment using some elements within the police to monitor, harass, intimidate and hound our client into an unwarranted detention with the purpose of inhibiting his right to move freely and to express himself as contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); the purpose of their antics is to upturn the narrative and paint our client as the black sheep in the flock, and cleverly presenting themselves as transparent angels.
“Accordingly, we have made appropriate representations to the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies in the Country drawing their attention to this unwarranted and ill intentioned steps taken by these quartet and not to allow themselves (security agencies) to be used to execute the personal objectives of these quartet; more so appropriate legal action has been taken by our client, as a law abiding citizen, to protect his fundamental rights as guaranteed by our laws.
“Finally, we hasten to advise Speaker Dogara and the 3 other principal officers mentioned here not to descend to the narrow aim of dragging the institution of the House of Representatives into their personal fight and to note that by virtue of the institution he leads and as a lawyer, he should act within the confines of the Rule of Law and allow the House of Representatives to institute a special investigation into this matter where our Client will have the opportunity earlier denied him by the quartet to testify and provide evidence against them because he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
HOT NEWS: My father brutalized, leg amputated, Tompolo cries...
HOT NEWS: My father brutalized, leg amputated, Tompolo cries...: •Says: Family, associates under siege •Points fingers at Chiefs Emami, Johnny, APC leaders •Urges Buhari to probe N13bn Maritime Universi...
My father brutalized, leg amputated, Tompolo cries out
•Says: Family, associates under siege
•Points fingers at Chiefs Emami, Johnny, APC leaders
•Urges Buhari to probe N13bn Maritime University take-off site
•Count us out of Tompolo’s ordeal- Emami, Johnny
HUNTED ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, said yesterday, that his family and associates were under siege by security agents, who allegedly treated roughly his 84-year-old father, in Kurutie community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government, resulting in the amputation of his lower limbs, two weeks ago.
Tompolo, in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, which he indicated might be his last, said the continuous harassment and intimidation was getting out of hand, and he does not deserve it.
He said after the military invaded Kurutie and brutalized his father, sympathizers managed to rescue him to Warri, where the hospital admitted him.
“Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago. From the doctor’s report, it will be a thing of miracle if he survives this incident. Is this 84- year- old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers that they brutalized to the point of death,?” he asked.
He alleged that the harassment and intimidation was carried out by the Nigeria Army, Navy and Department of State Services, DSS, in connivance with two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami and Chief Michael Johnny.
“I have not heard of anyone that was treated like this even in the volatile North Eastern part of the country. I have said it in many occasions that the issue I am having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will not lead to violence or resort to destruction of pipelines and other oil facilities, because I have a good case,” he maintained.
Ayiri, Johnny debunk Tompolo’s claim
Contacted yesterday, Chief Emami dismissed the allegation by Tompolo, saying he was not behind his ordeal.
He asserted: “If the security agencies are doing their job, I support them, I owe Tompolo no apology. All I know is that they are causing damage to the country with the bombing of pipelines and if they want the security agencies to stop disturbing them, they should stop blowing up pipelines.”
“To me, the security agencies are not even doing enough to stop the pipeline bombings, they should get to the root of the matter and stop the perpetrators,” he added.
Chief Johnny, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on phone denied that he was responsible for the arrest of any person by the security agencies. He also said it was not true that he threatened the secretary of the Ijaw People Deve-lopment Initiative, IPDI, Daniel Ezekiel on phone for allegedly revealing the names of informants that led soldiers to arrest a Tompolo associate, Monday, in Warri.
They harassed pregnant woman with gun
Tompolo, who also dismissed their denial, continued: “The latest victims of this unwarranted, misdirected and wicked act are Hon. Simeon Bebenimibo, a member of the Delta State Waterway and Land Security Committee and a driver of one of my aides, Mr Ebipade Kari, who was on an errand with a little baby.”
“The baby was thrown out from the vehicle, as the driver was beaten up by your men, as he was asked the whereabouts of his boss. That was not all; the military men stormed the house of one of my younger brothers, and harassed his pregnant wife with guns pointed at her.
“The duo who were arrested are presently in the custody of the Nigerian Army, Effurun. Before this incident, the Navy went to the apartment of another of my aide, picked up his heavily pregnant wife as he was out of town, and kept her for 24 hours in the Navy Base before releasing her.
“The mode of operation is that the military command usually camo-uflages associates of two APC leaders with military uniforms and they go from door to door with a long list of names and addresses of my family members and associates with the intention of arresting them,” he said.
He asserted: “Your Excellency Sir, it could be recalled that this was how the military went to Oporoza town on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at about 2.00 am, and held the community hostage for one week. During that midnight invasion, the military carted away valuables worth several millions of naira, desecrated worship centres and took away the symbol of authority of the Gbaramatu people from the Egbesu shrine.”
Is this because I supported Jonathan?
Tompolo stated: “Your Excellency Sir, I have been wondering since the beginning of my travails at your instance whether this is part of the fight against corruption in Nigeria? Or was it because I supported my kinsman, former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections? I thought everyone in Nigeria has the liberty to support whomever he or she deemed fit in an election.”
“And as Dr Jonathan bravely accepted the outcome of the election, which brought you in as President of Nigeria today, I thought you will heal wounds as the father of the nation.
In addition, it was on this premise that I visited you immediately after your swearing-in ceremony to pledge my loyalty and readiness to work with your administration.
“I am yet to be told the reason for all these shenanigans exhibited by your security agencies and party members (Ayiri Emami and Michael Johnny). I really want to know whether you are declaring this macabre dance or it is their own volition to perpetuate this high level of hatred on my person and close associates. It has really got to a worrisome dimension as the situation is deteriorating by the day,” he added.
You need me to drive change agenda
The ex-militant leader averred, “Your Excellency Sir, I only contributed to the development of the Nigerian Maritime University. I only agreed to sell my property; Mieka International Diving School structures (19 gigantic buildings of various sizes on 12 hectares of reclaimed land) for the quick and flawless take- off of the university.”
“And it all went through due process. I never knew my goodwill and patriotism would lead me to where I am now. I have this burning desire to attract developmental strides to this difficult terrain, as it is the only thing for the people of the Niger Delta, particularly the coastal areas, to continue to have faith in Nigeria as the area has been neglected for so long a time.
“Your Excellency Sir, it is instructive to state that you need me to drive this change agenda in the Niger Delta region as I am ever passionate to improve the living condition of the people of the region,” he said.
Probe Maritime University N13b take-of site
His words: “The truth of the matter is that I have been treated unfairly by you sir. After all these hallubalo about the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in which I was accused of some wrong doing, you are yet to send emissaries to Okerenkoko (permanent site) and Kurutie (temporary site) of the university to ascertain the level of things on ground.”
“Your Excellency Sir, you are being respected today because of your integrity and sincerity of purpose. Therefore, you need to investigate the issues surrounding the establishment of the university. If you can send some of your trusted men to visit the sites of the university and request for documents from the Federal Ministries of Transportation and Land and Survey, then you would have succeeded in unraveling the truth behind this university controversy.
“Your Excellency, would have investigated this issue of whether N13 billion was used to purchase a land for the Maritime University since assumption of office, owing to the fact that the entire country is your constituency. As it stands now, you are not abreast with things happening in this part of the country, perhaps you are only abreast with crude oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region.”
•Points fingers at Chiefs Emami, Johnny, APC leaders
•Urges Buhari to probe N13bn Maritime University take-off site
•Count us out of Tompolo’s ordeal- Emami, Johnny
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| Tompolo |
Tompolo, in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, which he indicated might be his last, said the continuous harassment and intimidation was getting out of hand, and he does not deserve it.
He said after the military invaded Kurutie and brutalized his father, sympathizers managed to rescue him to Warri, where the hospital admitted him.
“Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago. From the doctor’s report, it will be a thing of miracle if he survives this incident. Is this 84- year- old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers that they brutalized to the point of death,?” he asked.
He alleged that the harassment and intimidation was carried out by the Nigeria Army, Navy and Department of State Services, DSS, in connivance with two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami and Chief Michael Johnny.
“I have not heard of anyone that was treated like this even in the volatile North Eastern part of the country. I have said it in many occasions that the issue I am having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will not lead to violence or resort to destruction of pipelines and other oil facilities, because I have a good case,” he maintained.
Ayiri, Johnny debunk Tompolo’s claim
Contacted yesterday, Chief Emami dismissed the allegation by Tompolo, saying he was not behind his ordeal.
He asserted: “If the security agencies are doing their job, I support them, I owe Tompolo no apology. All I know is that they are causing damage to the country with the bombing of pipelines and if they want the security agencies to stop disturbing them, they should stop blowing up pipelines.”
“To me, the security agencies are not even doing enough to stop the pipeline bombings, they should get to the root of the matter and stop the perpetrators,” he added.
Chief Johnny, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on phone denied that he was responsible for the arrest of any person by the security agencies. He also said it was not true that he threatened the secretary of the Ijaw People Deve-lopment Initiative, IPDI, Daniel Ezekiel on phone for allegedly revealing the names of informants that led soldiers to arrest a Tompolo associate, Monday, in Warri.
They harassed pregnant woman with gun
Tompolo, who also dismissed their denial, continued: “The latest victims of this unwarranted, misdirected and wicked act are Hon. Simeon Bebenimibo, a member of the Delta State Waterway and Land Security Committee and a driver of one of my aides, Mr Ebipade Kari, who was on an errand with a little baby.”
“The baby was thrown out from the vehicle, as the driver was beaten up by your men, as he was asked the whereabouts of his boss. That was not all; the military men stormed the house of one of my younger brothers, and harassed his pregnant wife with guns pointed at her.
“The duo who were arrested are presently in the custody of the Nigerian Army, Effurun. Before this incident, the Navy went to the apartment of another of my aide, picked up his heavily pregnant wife as he was out of town, and kept her for 24 hours in the Navy Base before releasing her.
“The mode of operation is that the military command usually camo-uflages associates of two APC leaders with military uniforms and they go from door to door with a long list of names and addresses of my family members and associates with the intention of arresting them,” he said.
He asserted: “Your Excellency Sir, it could be recalled that this was how the military went to Oporoza town on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at about 2.00 am, and held the community hostage for one week. During that midnight invasion, the military carted away valuables worth several millions of naira, desecrated worship centres and took away the symbol of authority of the Gbaramatu people from the Egbesu shrine.”
Is this because I supported Jonathan?
Tompolo stated: “Your Excellency Sir, I have been wondering since the beginning of my travails at your instance whether this is part of the fight against corruption in Nigeria? Or was it because I supported my kinsman, former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections? I thought everyone in Nigeria has the liberty to support whomever he or she deemed fit in an election.”
“And as Dr Jonathan bravely accepted the outcome of the election, which brought you in as President of Nigeria today, I thought you will heal wounds as the father of the nation.
In addition, it was on this premise that I visited you immediately after your swearing-in ceremony to pledge my loyalty and readiness to work with your administration.
“I am yet to be told the reason for all these shenanigans exhibited by your security agencies and party members (Ayiri Emami and Michael Johnny). I really want to know whether you are declaring this macabre dance or it is their own volition to perpetuate this high level of hatred on my person and close associates. It has really got to a worrisome dimension as the situation is deteriorating by the day,” he added.
You need me to drive change agenda
The ex-militant leader averred, “Your Excellency Sir, I only contributed to the development of the Nigerian Maritime University. I only agreed to sell my property; Mieka International Diving School structures (19 gigantic buildings of various sizes on 12 hectares of reclaimed land) for the quick and flawless take- off of the university.”
“And it all went through due process. I never knew my goodwill and patriotism would lead me to where I am now. I have this burning desire to attract developmental strides to this difficult terrain, as it is the only thing for the people of the Niger Delta, particularly the coastal areas, to continue to have faith in Nigeria as the area has been neglected for so long a time.
“Your Excellency Sir, it is instructive to state that you need me to drive this change agenda in the Niger Delta region as I am ever passionate to improve the living condition of the people of the region,” he said.
Probe Maritime University N13b take-of site
His words: “The truth of the matter is that I have been treated unfairly by you sir. After all these hallubalo about the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in which I was accused of some wrong doing, you are yet to send emissaries to Okerenkoko (permanent site) and Kurutie (temporary site) of the university to ascertain the level of things on ground.”
“Your Excellency Sir, you are being respected today because of your integrity and sincerity of purpose. Therefore, you need to investigate the issues surrounding the establishment of the university. If you can send some of your trusted men to visit the sites of the university and request for documents from the Federal Ministries of Transportation and Land and Survey, then you would have succeeded in unraveling the truth behind this university controversy.
“Your Excellency, would have investigated this issue of whether N13 billion was used to purchase a land for the Maritime University since assumption of office, owing to the fact that the entire country is your constituency. As it stands now, you are not abreast with things happening in this part of the country, perhaps you are only abreast with crude oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region.”
HOT NEWS: NECO backs FG on phasing out second test for unity...
HOT NEWS: NECO backs FG on phasing out second test for unity...: The Management of the National Examinations Council, (NECO) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the se...
NECO backs FG on phasing out second test for unity schools
The Management of the National Examinations Council, (NECO) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the second phase of the National Common Entrance Screening Test usually conducted by the Council for admission of pupils into the Federal Government Colleges across the country.
Registrar/Chief Executive of the Council, Mallam Abdulrashid Garba who commended the Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu for the decision said the step would go a long way to further reposition the nation’s education system.Professor Garba said the Management has already set up a committee to strategize on the implementation of the directive towards ensuring immediate compliance and implementation.
A statement signed by Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit of the Council, Malam Azeez Sani assured all relevant stake holders of the preparedness of NECO to deliver on its mandate to always deliver examinations whose results are trusted worldwide for their credibility.
HOT NEWS: Murdered Abuja female preacher for burial Saturday...
HOT NEWS: Murdered Abuja female preacher for burial Saturday...: Female preacher of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja Eunice Olawale, who was murdered on Saturday July 19 while preaching will be...
Murdered Abuja female preacher for burial Saturday
Female preacher of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja Eunice Olawale, who was murdered on Saturday July 19 while preaching will be laid to rest today at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja.
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| Late Pastor Eunice Olawale |
Worshippers and sympathisers who graced the service of songs described her death as a glorious exit, though they confirmed that “it was painful”.
The 15 year old first daughter of the deceased, Jessica Olawale read a Scripture from the book of Revelations 20:7-15.
It will be recalled that late Eunice Olawale was murdered in the early hours of Saturday 19th July while she was preaching.
In his sermon tagged: ‘Uncertainty of Life’, the Pastor in Charge of the RCCG FCT 2, Pastor C. A. F. Obasa urged faithful not to relent in propagation of the gospel because of attacks on Christians.
IPMAN to increase fuel supply, build refineries
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria’s, IPMAN, said it has entered into partnership with some multi-nationals to assist the Federal Government to make petroleum products available in the country.
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| Petroleum Marketers |
Chairman, Board of Trustees of IPMAN, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu stated this after the association played host to members of the Nigerian Association of Transport Owners (NARTO) in Abuja.
Aminu also disclosed that the Federal Government has restored the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria’s, IPMAN, rights to petroleum products in all the depots across the country.
He explained that this would boost fuel supply across the country, especially as the association accounts for a large percentage of fuel retail outlets in the country.
According to him, “with this action of the Federal Government, we can take charge in all the petroleum products distribution in all the 21 depots in Nigeria, adding that in no time the crisis of petroleum products scarcity will no longer exist.
He said: “We paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, being a man who initiated this peace to ensure that IPMAN becomes one. He assured us that now that we have heeded his advice, he is going to, restore all our rights to all the depots in the federation.
“I am sure that by the minister’s intervention in restoring all our rights across all the depots across the federation, I think Nigerians will have better access to products because we control 80 per cent.”
Also speaking, factional National President of IPMAN, Chief Lawson Obasi stated that the association
has planned to commence importation of petroleum products to boost the activities of the downstream sector.
He stated that owing to the liberalization of the sale of products, the association has planned to import its own products for onward distribution to its members.
He said “as at today because of the liberalization exercise in the petroleum industry, we are working towards importing our own products. In short, we are on course to importing our products into the country so that we can distribute to our members.”
Obasi also noted that IPMAN has already signed some agreements with some of its foreign partners for product importation, while it plans to establish a modular refinery in Nigeria to ensure that there is adequate supply of petroleum products customers.
He said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary, the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC) have given members of IPMAN easy access to petroleum products.
He said, “We don’t have any difficulty accessing petroleum products at the moment because NNPC, PPMC, and the Federal Government are doing their best. So loading it is not a problem. Once products are at the depots getting it is not a problem.”
Scores of mourners troop to Adewale’s Lagos residence
Scores of mourners have continued to besiege
the residence of late Mr Olutayo Adewale, a member of the House of
Representatives from Ifako-Ijaiye Fedeal Constituency III days after his
demise.
When newsmen who visited the
residence of late Adewale at No. 14, Jagunmolu St. Off Araromi,
Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, observed the symphathisers wearing gloomy faces.
The living room was filled to its brim as relatives, neighbours, party leaders and members, religious leaders and beneficiaries of Adewale's large heart were seen consoling his wife.
Many of the early callers at the deceased residence sat and stood in groups recounting the good deeds and selfless qualities of the late lawmaker.
The first son of the deceased, Mr Yinka Adewale was short of words when the correspondent approached him for comments on his father's death.
Yinka said:``I cannot say anything for now. I don’t remember anything except my father’s full name.
``How can someone who was not sick and has no record of sickness be found dead sitting on a sofa with his legs on a table and a bottle of water beside him in his living room in Abuja.
``There is more to this,’’ Yinka, who was surrounded by many friends said.
We gathered that the wife of the deceased was not in a stable mood to speak with the reporter as at the time of filing this report.
Several people walking along the whole stretch of Jagunmolu St, Galilee Avenue as well as the adjoining streets were observed discussing the sudden death of Adewale.
The deceased was a former Executive Secretary of Ifako-ijaiye Local Government and a former Special Adviser on Education to former Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.
He was said to be part of the All Progressives Congress's (APC) caucus meeting in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
Adewale, who was born in 1951, attended Ilesha Grammar School where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate in1968.
He proceeded to tertiary education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in 1979.
He also got a Masters Degree from the Lagos State University in 2005.
The living room was filled to its brim as relatives, neighbours, party leaders and members, religious leaders and beneficiaries of Adewale's large heart were seen consoling his wife.
Many of the early callers at the deceased residence sat and stood in groups recounting the good deeds and selfless qualities of the late lawmaker.
The first son of the deceased, Mr Yinka Adewale was short of words when the correspondent approached him for comments on his father's death.
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Late Hon Olutayo Adewale |
``How can someone who was not sick and has no record of sickness be found dead sitting on a sofa with his legs on a table and a bottle of water beside him in his living room in Abuja.
``There is more to this,’’ Yinka, who was surrounded by many friends said.
We gathered that the wife of the deceased was not in a stable mood to speak with the reporter as at the time of filing this report.
Several people walking along the whole stretch of Jagunmolu St, Galilee Avenue as well as the adjoining streets were observed discussing the sudden death of Adewale.
The deceased was a former Executive Secretary of Ifako-ijaiye Local Government and a former Special Adviser on Education to former Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.
He was said to be part of the All Progressives Congress's (APC) caucus meeting in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
Adewale, who was born in 1951, attended Ilesha Grammar School where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate in1968.
He proceeded to tertiary education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in 1979.
He also got a Masters Degree from the Lagos State University in 2005.
14 passengers roasted to death, three escape in Lagos road crash
Three people escaped being roasted to death while 14 others were roasted to death, yesterday, in Lagos, when a passenger fully loaded bus went up in flames on Otedola bridge, near Berger, Lagos Thursday.
The incident was said to have occurred
at about 6.30pm, when the fully loaded bus was embarking on a journey
inward Ibadan but he allegedly suffered tyre bursts, somersaulted and
landed on the passengers’ door trapping the occupants.
On noticing this, the three survivors
were said to have jumped out of the bus by breaking the windows but
the remaining could not as the bus went up in flames few minutes
after landing.
An eye witness who pleaded anonymity
said the bus was carrying fuel as at the time of the incident.
Also, it could not be ascertained if
the bus driver survived it but it was gathered that 14 persons were
roasted to death in the accident.
The incident was said to have caused
gridlock that lasted for hours in Berger and its environs as the axis
was shut from road users between 6.30pm and 8pm.
Director Lagos State Fire Service Razak
Fadipe confirmed the incident.
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